Factory restore function M15x

[Damn Dirty Ape]

Is there an F-key to hit during POST on the M15x that will restore from a recovery partition image? Or must one use the DVD restore discs only?

[lordqarlyn]

The settings in the MBR are supposed to provide access to the restore partition. If for whatever reason you're not getting the option, then you will have to use the restore DVD.

[Damn Dirty Ape]

The settings in the MBR are supposed to provide access to the restore partition. If for whatever reason you're not getting the option, then you will have to use the restore DVD.

ok do you know the f-key that accesses that partition on startup by chance?

[lordqarlyn]

ok do you know the f-key that accesses that partition on startup by chance?

I'm not sure if you can access the restore partition with an f-key. It's normally a hidden partition. If Windows is still usable, you could use tools to set the master boot record (MBR) to boot from the restore partition, which then you will see the screen "press any key to access Alien Respawn".

Otherwise, to my knowledge, you cannot edit the MBR in BIOS, but you might be able to set the restore partition to boot first, then restore your OS. Then set your OS partition as the boot.

[Damn Dirty Ape]

ok how does one access it for restore if not by f-key?

[Docsteel]

Is there an F-key to hit during POST on the M15x that will restore from a recovery partition image? Or must one use the DVD restore discs only?

Funny, I found this thread looking for this information

[LinkRS]

Is there an F-key to hit during POST on the M15x that will restore from a recovery partition image? Or must one use the DVD restore discs only?

I hope this doesn't find you too late. The M15x uses a program called Dell Datasafe Local Backup for factory restores. You can access this program from launching the application from within Windows (it is on the Start Menu), or by using the F8 Windows Boot Options menu. Press F8 after the iniital POST screen (Alien Face), but before you see the Windows logo on the screen. There should be an option to repair Windows, which will launch you into a recovery mode that allows you to restore the system. This option is available even if you have uninstalled the Dell DataSafe Local Backup app from Windows (I did, as its constant polling causes stutterin in Blu-Ray playback). Good luck!

Rich S.

[Docsteel]

I hope this doesn't find you too late. The M15x uses a program called Dell Datasafe Local Backup for factory restores. You can access this program from launching the application from within Windows (it is on the Start Menu), or by using the F8 Windows Boot Options menu. Press F8 after the iniital POST screen (Alien Face), but before you see the Windows logo on the screen. There should be an option to repair Windows, which will launch you into a recovery mode that allows you to restore the system. This option is available even if you have uninstalled the Dell DataSafe Local Backup app from Windows (I did, as its constant polling causes stutterin in Blu-Ray playback). Good luck!

Rich S.

Dude, you simply rock, that is EXACTLY what I was trying to find.

+1 Rep

[LinkRS]

Dude, you simply rock, that is EXACTLY what I was trying to find.

+1 Rep

Glad to be of help!